Nature's Medicines - Aloevera
Cultivation
Aloe vera is relatively easy to care for in cultivation in frost-free
climates. The species requires well-drained sandy potting soil in moderate light. If planted in pot or other containers ensure sufficient drainage with drainage holes.The use of a good quality commercial potting mix to which extra perlite, granite grit, or coarse sand are added is recommended. Alternatively, pre-packaged 'cacti and succulent mixes' may also be used. Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry prior to re-watering. During winter, A. vera may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshousesFood preservative
Researchers at the University of Migual Hernandez in Alicante,Spain, have developed a gel based on A. vera that prolongs the conservation of fresh produce, such as fresh fruit and legumes. This gel is tasteless, colorless and odorless. This natural product is a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives such as sulfur dioxide. The study showed that grapes at 1°C coated with this gel could be preserved for 35 days against 7 days for untreated grapes. According to the researchers, this gel operates through a combination of mechanics (Serrano et al., 2006), forming a protective layer against the oxygen and moisture of the air and inhibiting, through its various antibiotic and antifungal compounds, the action of micro-organisms that cause foodborne illnesses.Medicinal uses
A. vera has been used externally to treat various skin conditions such as cuts, burns and eczema. It is alleged that sap from Aloe vera eases pain and reduces inflammatiom. Evidence on the effects of A. vera sap on wound healing, however, is contradictory. A study performed in the 1990s showed that the healing time of a moderate to severe burn was reduced when the wound was treated on a regular basis with Aloe vera gel, compared to the healing of the wound covered in a gauze bandage. In contrast, another study suggested wounds to which Aloe vera gel was applied were significantly slower to heal.
A. vera's beneficial properties may be attributed to mucopolysaccharides present in the inner gel of the leaf, especially acemannan (acetylated mannans). An injectable form of acemannan manufactured and marketed by Carrington Laboratories as Acemannan Immunostimulant™ has been approved in the USA for treatment of fibrosarcoma (a type of cancer) in dogs and cats after clinical trials. It has not been approved for use by humans, and, although it is not a drug, its sale is controlled and it can only be obtained through a veterinary doctor.
Cosmetic companies add sap or other derivatives from A. vera to products such as makeup,tissues, moisturisers, soaps,sunscreens,shampoos and lotions, though the effectiveness of Aloe vera in these products remain unknown. A. vera gel is also alleged to be useful for dry skin conditions, especially eczema around the eyes and sensitive facial skin.
An article published in the British Journal of General Practice suggests that A. vera is effective at treating athlete's foot. Whether or not it promotes wound healing is unknown, and even though there are some promising results, clinical effectiveness of oral or topical A. vera remains unclear at present. Aloe vera juice may help some people with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.
In Japan Aloe Vera is commonly used as an ingredient in commercially available yourt. There are also many companies which produce Aloe Vera beverages.In Pakistan, the plant has been used for centuries as a carminative and digestive aid. The dried gel is mixed with seeds of various herbs and consumed after a meal. Pashtuns in the Hazara region of the North West Frontier Province have been using Aloe Vera for centuries to improve physical endurance, probably due to the high nutrient content of the gel.
People in Rajastahn state of India prepare vegetable out of Aloe Vera along with fenugreek seeds.People in Tamil Nadu, another state of India prepare a curry using Aloe Vera which is taken along with Indian bread or rice.Some popular beverages, such as SoBe's Strawberry Daiquiri, contain Aloe Vera. In Mexico amoothies made out of Aloe Vera are fairly common.
Aloe vera has number of uses and mainly they are used as a food preservative and medicine. The different uses of aloe vera are:-
- Aloe vera is used in creams, lotions, gel, liquid, spray and capsule.
- It is helpful in the treatment of acne, scalp care, burns, stings, sprains, sunburns, eczema, sore muscles, arthritis, scrapes, cold sores, scalds, abrasions, psoriasis, bruises etc.
- It provides relief from itching and also helps in healing blisters.
- It is very beneficial for skin disorders.
- The juice from aloe vera plant is used in the treatment of ulcers, heartburn and other digestive disorders.
- The juice of aloe vera acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduces the amount of stomach juices.
- It lightens the dark spots on the face and reduces the intensity of pigmentation.
- It is used as a moisturizer and helpful in removing dead cells.
- It is also helpful in the penetration of healthy substances.
- Aloe vera is beneficial in stimulating the production of elastin and collagen which are necessary for preventing the aging of the skin.
- Pain in the joints and muscle pain occurred due to arthritis is reduced by the application of aloe vera sprays or gels.
- The gel of aloe vera provides benefit in reducing triglycerides, total cholesterol and blood fat lipid levels.
- The extract of aloe vera reduces blood sugar levels.
- Aloe vera drink is used as a tonic by some patients.
- It is helpful in healing such as anti-oxidant, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
- It is beneficial in reducing obesity and breaks down the fat globules.
